Musings of a Midwesterner- A Missouri girl in California

2009-04-22T11:44:00.000-07:00

And some of the people did grumble and were discontent with the Lord their God and the food restrictions which had been levied against them. Therefore Ben of the Tribe of Bar-Judah and Judith the daughter of Rascha did make their complaints before the Aaron and Moses. "We can not eat this kosher food," they grumbled. "The killing of animals makes us sick to our stomach and who knows what those animals have been eating out here in the desert," they complained. "Moreover," they said "we firmly believe that animals have rights and feelings too. Why should we kill another living thing so that we can eat?"

Moses rebuked them saying, "The Lord has established our ways and his laws and promises are sure. We should not defer from the covenant laws set forth to our father Abraham."

But the people were not content in their grumbling and said, "The Egyptians did but feast on all manner of food. There food was grown fresh by the Nile and delivered fresh to Trader Pharaoh's. Can not our Lord but provide for our needs? He made the animals for beauty and pleasure. Why should we destroy what the Lord has made?" "Moreover," they continued, "our stomachs are made sick by the

And Moses did petition the Lord God before the people up on Mount Sinai saying, "Have you not heard the groaning of your vegetarian peoples' bowels. Their systems can not handle the weight of this kosher meat you have given them." But the Lord reestablished his laws with his people and said, "I am that I am. Thou shalt have no other food, but that which is kosher." But again Moses petitioned, "Lord, thy people do beseech your graciousness. Will you not bless with more abundance than that of the Egyptians?" But again the Lord said, "I am that I am. Thou shalt have no other food, but that which is kosher." But again a third time Moses petitioned the Lord saying, "Lord, your people's bodies which you have made can not eat this meat for sacrifice. Will you not supply a substitute?" And the Lord's turned his heart towards Moses.

And Moses came down from the mount and assembled the people saying, "The Lord's Ten Commandments are sure." And the people did grumble. "However," Moses continued...

"And Commandments Eleven to Twenty are the same as One to Ten, just with tofu instead of meat."

And there was much rejoicing among the people.

Disclaimer: This story is for comedic content only and does not reflect actual, known biblical events.

Final Blog

2009-04-11T18:00:00.001-07:00

I really enjoyed writing for the Banner this semester. Because I love to procrastinate, I loved the quick deadlines. It forced me to work quicker and more immediately than Angelos does. I also like being able to able take current events in life and articulate them to the public.

I really enjoyed writing my "Christian's Responsibility in the Recession Piece!" As a Christian, I feel like being able to place a Christian perspective on secular events is really important. I liked that I was able to access multiple sources and get many opinions from around campus.

In the future, I would like to be able to do more Christian perspective pieces similar to this one. I would also like to do more magazine"esque" writing. I like writing about how the Lord works in different people's lives; in the good times and in the bad.

At this time, I don't really have any ideas for The Banner.

Self-Centered Nurturing- Banner Midterm Blog

2009-02-28T23:01:00.000-08:00

Mothers are probably the most selfless people in the world. Every day they sacrifice their time, energy and resources for the sake of their children. However the recent news of Nadya Suleman, otherwise known as “octo-mom,” seems to paint a picture of a mother who is anything but sacrificial. Calling the woman “irresponsible”, “selfish” and “unconventional,” the public and media have made their opinions on the matter rather obvious. The questions asked by journalists and broadcasters seem to be simply loaded and often beg the question.

With the current economic crises plaguing our nation and a financial bailout in process, it seems that most headlines and discussion regarding the “octo-mom” are based, by and large, on government support that she has been and (most likely) will continue to receive. Probably the most alarming fact is that, by the mother’s own admission, she could not afford the six children she had before the recent set of octuplets was born.

Suleman and her six children have been living off of food stamps and government disability checks for quite some time now. Due to the fact that Nadya Suleman is also unemployed and unable to care for the children, they have been living with their grandmother. In addition, Suleman’s current 3-bedroom, Los Angeles home (which is owned by her mother) is reportedly up for foreclosure.(BreitBart.com) And yet Nadya Suleman has reportedly spent thousands of dollars on lip and breast enhancements and on the in vitro fertilization processes that resulted in the 14 children she now has.

In an interview with NBC’s Ann Curry, Nadya Suleman admitted, “That was always a dream of mine, to have a large family, a huge family, and -- I just longed for certain connections and attachments with another person that I really lacked, I believe, growing up." It seems to me that what we see in Suleman is nothing but a case of, what I like to call, “There was an old woman who lived in a shoe” syndrome.

The large problem is that she is focused on satisfying and gratifying her own wants and needs while disregarding the impact that her actions have on others. As “Dr. Phil” McGraw said in an interview with US Weekly, “I see somebody that has such a Pollyanna disconnect with real-world realities, and what she’s getting ready to face, it’s like she’s on a Disney ride.” While she claims to be a loving mother who only wants to have and provide for her children, the situation in which she has placed them is anything but nurturing.
There are many reasons why the circumstances surrounding the children are unloving. First, the in vitro fertilization process, especially when involving multiple embryos, often results in high-risk pregnancies, premature births and result children who suffer from birth defects. (LA Times) Although the actual reasons are unknown at this time, this could begin to explain why three of Suleman’s six children are on disability.
Second, Suleman knowingly had herself impregnated knowing she could not give the children the quality of living that they deserve or that any loving mother would wish for her children.
Probably most interesting and disturbing is how she expects to pay for the children. Suleman has stated that she plans to finish school and then write a book about raising the children to help pay for them. Obviously this woman has no clue the time and energy commitment that true parenting requires ( and in addition book writing)! It seems that she has created a problem and plans to solve it by telling the world about her problem!

Unfortunately, the self-centeredness we see in the case of the “octo-mom” is simply indicative of the rampant selfish attitude of the American culture at large. It’s alarming that people like the Nadya Suleman would be willing to place so many people in grave danger just because of their own selfish desires.

http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=CNG.5f9ab18938112215feac75a26e212daf.31&show_article=1
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29038814/
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-octuplets28-2009jan28,0,2834198.story
http://www.usmagazine.com/news/octuplet-mom-big-family-was-always-a-dream-of-mine

How to Choose a Great Wedding Photographer!- Yearbook Midterm Blog

2009-02-26T19:00:00.000-08:00

As a little girl, you probably began planning your wedding the instant you became aware of the fact that such an event existed. I do not even remember how I found out about weddings, but I DO know that after I did Barbie and Ken instantaneously got married and began their lives of "happily ever after" in a state of eternal bliss! You have been waiting for this moment your entire life and now (FINALLY!) it has come and you will want to recapture it for years to come. Obviously, it is an event that will forever live in your memory, but you will want to be able to look back to show your grand kids the day you married their grandfather.

With that in mind, the selection of a wedding photographer becomes crucial to the planning and process of your wedding. So, here are some tips and tricks from a romantic who also happens to be a wedding photographer.

1. Ask around. No doubt you have friends and family around that may know of a good photographer; they can refer you to the good and steer you away from the bad. Social networks like Facebook and MySpace are also good places to find photographers.

2. Check out photographers portfolios to find a style that you like. A good, up-to-date photographer will have an established website that looks professional. If they don't have a website with a gallery, they probably aren't worth your time.

3. Get pricing estimates. You should budget about 10% of what you plan on spending for the entire wedding on photography. Make sure to ask about rights to the photos, albums, prints, editing and if they hire second shooters.

4. If at all possible, set up a meeting with the photographer in person. A photographer may be genius at their work, but if you don't feel at ease and like you can work with them, you might want to consider looking elsewhere.

5. Repeat step 4. You do not have to book the first photographer you find, however, good photographers do get booked fast so, don't wait too long.

6. Book your photographer. If at all possible, try to book your photographer at least eight months before your wedding. Some photographers require a down payment so ask about that.

7. If you want any particular shots, now is the time to ask. Some photographers appreciate knowing what kind of photos like, so ask if they are willing to let you show them clippings from magazines.

8. Wait for your magical day!

Overexposed

2009-01-21T00:38:00.001-08:00

For Banner we were given the option to write our heart out about a subject we are passionate about. Unfortunately for them, this topic is very wide open and gives me free reign; which is (of course) a very dangerous thing. On the other hand, fortunately for me, this allows me to write about something I already have previous knowledge of. A tool that is very useful in the hands of a busy college student. The following is my personal opinion coupled with research on one subject that irks me to the core: sex in the advertising industry.

It is sometimes amazing to me just how obsessed our nation is with just a simple three letter word. Sex. Simply utter the word in a crowd and immediately you will hold the attention of a vast majority of the room. Today, we seem to live in a society that craves and is fascinated by the very thing that allows any species to procreate.

The famous sex psychotherapist Sigmund Freud once said,

“Sexual love is undoubtedly one of the chief things in life…all the world knows this and conducts its life accordingly.”

While voices in the world of psychotherapy will often argue that Freud’s definition and intention behind his frequent usage of the word “sex” is often misunderstood, it is clear that the media, particularly advertising agencies, have no problem understanding human motivation and how to manipulate it. Today’s media is rampant with sexual innuendoes and subliminal messages.

In the case of advertising, these images are often unwarranted and sometimes completely unrelated to the product. The increasing exposure to such images and subconscious messages can be detrimental to our society as a whole, particularly to the self image and priorities of our youth. Movies have ratings, but innocent TV or internet surfing can quickly lead to blatant and unwarranted exposure to sexual images and innuendos.

I want to know whatever happened to innocence in the world! I fear that my young son or daughter may not have the ability to grow up in a world where their hearts and minds even have a chance at remaining even relatively pure and naive. In an article entitled Goodbye to Girlhood, which ran in the Washington Post in Febuary of 2007, parents and psychologists alike share disgust at the ever increasing emphasis on sex and body image to children at younger and younger ages. One psychologist remarks, “Being a sexual person isn't about being a pole dancer,” she chides. “This is a sort of sex education girls are getting, and it's a misleading one.”

Even though sex may rapidly get the audiences attention, I think it is crucial that we, as consumers, are aware of and think about the subliminal (and maybe not so subtle) messages that the industry has indoctrinated our culture with.

Sex is good for business; that much is clear, but I think it is important that we ask ourselves to what extent will we allow the ball to continue to roll and at what cost? Have the media and marketing agencies gone too far in their vast and flagrant use of all things and images sexual? Even though our exposure to sexual images can be unwarranted and without notice, the American does have power over the advertising industry. It is with that green piece of paper or plastic card found in your wallet. Your money!

A Salvation Celebration

2009-01-15T22:55:00.000-08:00

Like most of the seemingly general populace of California Baptist, I grew up in a Christian home. My family was involved with and went to church on a regular basis. I remember my father reading to my sister and I late at night from the “Beginner’s Bible” and then we would have family prayer time. I was raised on a healthy dosage of Christian media and resources also. “Psalty the Singing Song Book,” “The Donut Man,” or Steven Curtis Chapman were practically members of the family. (If you don’t know what these are feel free to look them up.) In fact it was through a Psalty video that I really began to understand what it meant to be “saved” and asked Jesus into my heart.

I don’t remember much because I was only about six, but one day I was watching "Psalty's Salvation Celebration" on VHS and heard that I had something called "sin" in my life. I knew already that I did bad things...that was nothing new. (After all, why else would my dad spank me.) The video explained that I needed Jesus to come into my heart and save me. The video then asked me to then close my eyes and I prayed along with the video and ask Jesus to come into my heart. Immediately following the prayer, I went into the kitchen where my mom was and informed her of the glorious event that has transpired. She asked me a few questions to make sure I truly understood. I did. That was the day I believe I was saved.

However, I think that there comes a point in every young Christian’s life when following Jesus hits home and becomes a real conscious choice. For me, that day was 9/11/01. “The day that will live in infamy.” When the planes hit the Twin Towers, I came to the very rapid and harsh reality that is death. I found that my own faith had been shaken along with the foundations of our nations. I began questioning my own faith and what would happen to me if I had died that day. That night, I affirmed and rededicated my life to Christ. I was about 12.

Unfortunately, like all sinners, I had a brief time in my life where I ignored the Lord and his gentle pleading tug on my heart. I fell for the romance of men instead of an everlasting love and was betrayed by men and my own heart. During a philosophy course on religion, I began questioning the very existence of this God I claimed to serve. I eventually bottomed out. I felt so far removed from the Lord that I wondered if I would ever truly find my way back.

By his grace, I did and am.

In August, I found a chance for a fresh start. A new life away from secular philosophy professors and ex-boyfriends. During a retreat, I felt sharp stab at my heart as my Savior broke me down and reclaimed me as his own. It was the fall of 2009. The start of my junior year. My entrance into California Baptist University.

Back to the daily grind...or not.

2009-01-07T21:37:00.000-08:00

I arrived back in Southern California last night around midnight. After a relatively emotionally trying night, I was ready more than ready to be greeted by the warm embrace that my close friends held for me. There is something so peaceful and comforting about the hug of a friend who truly cares about you and missed you dearly. Although I was tired, I stayed up late to talk to friends before eventually collapsing in shear exhaustion. Every once of energy had been drained from me. My body was soon engulfed by the deepest and quietest sleep I had experienced all break.

Surprisingly, I awoke early the next morning without the aid of my alarm clock. The sweet promise of the warm breeze, that awaited me beyond my front door, was all but more than I needed to encourage me to emerge from the soft sanctuary that was my bed. I stepped out of my apartment to find that my FATHER had granted all my wishes for the day.

(More to come....maybe)

A journalist is born...-Final

2008-12-11T23:08:00.000-08:00

As we come to the close of a semester and the end of 2008, it impossible to not look backwards at all that has taken place. So many amazing and insane things have taken place in my own life that it is hard to not see how God's hand was so evident every step of the way.

The other day, in order to keep from studying for my finals, I decided to start writing my families Christmas newsletter. I pulled up the 2007 letter and took a look. It was laid out in a classic newspaper fashion with columns, photos, info boxes and headlines. I chuckled in delight as I read what I had written. "As writer and editor for this year's letter, I have chosen to document our family's year in a journalistic style. I interviewed each member of the family by simply asking, "If you could describe this year in what word, what would it be?"" I went on to say that my college career path and future were relatively uncertain.

Looking at this letter and many other instances along the way, I realized that I have always had a journalism inclination all along. I have an inquisitive mind. I love to ask questions! "What do you think about? What do you mean by? What do you think about?" Questions like these have been elemental to my life and repertoire for years now.

When I decided to come to California Baptist, I was originally a communications major. However, in looking at the class schedules I decided that I would rather write than take many more speech classes. So, I became a journalism major. I love the written word. It is clear and concise. I can paint pictures or destroy hopes and dream. I can inform and persuade. I can question and I can answer. This semester I have learned what it means to be a journalist. I realized that God has given me a talent for writing and a joy to do it (although not all the time). I look forward to being able to probe and question the thoughts and lives of the people around me next semester as well as offer some of my own insights.

I guess I just needed to see myself for what I really was...a journalist all along.

Mocha Club- Extra

2008-12-11T22:50:00.001-08:00

“I need Africa more than Africa needs me.” At the first mention of this saying I couldn't help but find myself relatively perplexed. It seems that often we are encouraged to think about the needs of others less fortunate than ourselves. And act and think in such a way as to charitably benefit them. We hear the stories of the starving children in Africa and of the poverty, see the commercials and yet we do nothing. We know of those who live in a state lowlier than ours; we become emotional but remain motionless.

Yet, from where I write in America, we are blessed beyond measure, however it seems a rare thing to find anything resembling real joy.

We live in constant comfort. We have everything and yet many have nothing constituting real substance. We rely on the abilities of the credit card to get us the things we want, when we want them. We have cars so we don't have to walk. We have caffeine to keep us awake and be more "productive" and yet we accomplish less. We rely on our dailies coffees for energy and comfort. Energy to sit at computer desks, to type reports, to talk on cell phones. Comfort from coffee that can come and should from real human fellowship, interaction, relationships, and...in my opinion...salvation in Jesus Christ.

Yet there are many others less fortunate than those of us here in America, and yet they live lives that are happy, simple, but happy. Lives based in the pursuit of dignity, honor and trust. They know how to work hard and provide for their families. Unfortunately, most people in Africa do not even have the necessity of clean fresh water, education or sometimes even food.

But what if we were to act? What if we were willing to give up a slice of our comfort? What if we gave up something we don’t need so that others could have something that they do? What difference would it make?

I think the first difference is rather obvious. If we were able to provide food, water and even education for the lives of those who need it most, we would be able to impact the quality of their lives. A meal to eat, water to drink and a chance at a better future. But what about the difference on the heart attitude of the giver? What is the point of a sacrifice? While others might have varying answers, I would say that one of the biggest effects of a sacrifice is in the heart of the one giving up something precious to them. It is a readjustment of priorities for the sake of something better. It is a matter of saying to one’s self, “There is more at stake here than my happiness.” I think that is exactly the change of mind and change of heart that America, especially the Christian’s in America need. By giving up a simple coffee (which is overpriced anyway), a person can begin to not only help but learn from others what is really important in life. A change of my heart towards the needs of others will last longer than any Venti mocha ever will. I need Africa more than Africa needs me.

“I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said it is more blessed to give than to receive.”- Acts 20:35

Made In HIS Image...

2008-10-31T10:35:00.000-07:00

To me, there is nothing more innocent or blissful than a bride on her wedding day. Every girl knows that the bride has probably been planning this day since she was old enough to formulate thoughts and understand beauty and love. Everything has been planned for months. The cast is nervous and giddy. The curtain is about to rise and for two people a new voyage is about to begin. As a photographer, this is a moment unlike any other. It is sink or swim. A wedding is nerve wracking because it is an even that will never happen again. A bride will only walk down the aisle once. The first kiss will only happen once. That garter will only be tossed once. And the bride's mother will only gleam and be puffy and red like that for one day. If a moment is missed at a wedding, the photographer might as well plan on hearing from a lawyer...or at least an angry groom or tearful bride. The great photographers are the ones whose personality, joy for life and shear exuberance for the profession shine through in every photo.

This is one of the many joyous and beautiful things about being a wedding photographer. I have the priviledge of photographing people on the happiest day of their lives. For Jasmine Starr (http://www.jasminestarblog.com/), the joy is simply that...capturing a moment that will bring back that same smile for years to come. Jasmine has such a bubbly, joyous and personable spirit that makes her a joy to be around and it shows in her gorgeous photographs. Meeting her personally was a great priviledge for me. Her love for Christ and for other people makes her one of my favorite photographers!

Photographer David Jay is all about taking the techniques and beauty that he has learned and applied and spreading it to other photographers. In a digital age, his company creates many electronic resources for photographers to help them expand their companies. One such invention it ShowItFast Websites and Slideshows. David has been known for pioneering the way in the world of marketing for wedding photographers and the beauty of the showit fast websites now avilable to photographers truly is a mark of his creativity and innovation as well as his consideration and desire to help other. Open Source Photo is a blog to help photographers discuss and get answers to some of their technical problems as well as help with Showit Fast products.

There is a simple beauty in the human spirit. I think is part of being made in the image of a holy and perfect God. To photograph people, in my opinion, is the closest I can get to showing a fallen world what God looks like. The innocence of a child. The gleam of a groom. The pride of a mother or father. The tenderness of family. These are all qualities found in the Holy Trinity and yet so often we miss them in every day life and in each other. The Travel Photographer (http://thetravelphotographer.blogspot.com/) has done a wonderful job at capturing the beauties of the world and documenting the people they meet and see along the way.

A camera is a beautiful gift the art of using it is a blessing. A mirror into the supernatural.

Loss of a brother...loss of a nation

2008-10-12T21:48:00.001-07:00

Ever have a close friend who suddenly backs off? It is a little awkward and sad. I just had that very thing happen to me. It's hard sometimes. A friend can even be doing the mostly godly thing and what even you know he (or she) is supposed to do, but when you lose a brother (or sister) it is still hard.

That point aside...

I would like to mention the spiritual state of our nation and the role of Christians in it. I recently began asking a few of my fellow students around campus about what the most important issue was to them in the upcoming election. I got many different responses. "The economy, the war, health care, abortion, etc." Interestingly enough my pastor recently spoke on the same topic.

My pastor stated that, "God is not interested in the state of our comfort." God is not interested in our financial state. He is Jehovah Jireh, the God who always provides. He is interested in children whose hearts are turned towards their heavenly Father. I think it is interesting how sometimes we (Christians) seem to forget about the sovereign power of God to accomplish his perfect will in our lives and in our nation. We become ultra absorbed with politicians and their issues that we forget that indeed "The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will."

All for now...

A not-so-awesome surprise

2008-10-01T15:34:00.000-07:00

I came home today from my last class today tired, but good. It was a gorgeous and hot day here in sunny California today...and I looked cute (which is a rare plus). Although homework lay ahead of me, I found myself in good spirits. As I opened my apartment door, carrying a package from my mother (for which I was overjoyed), I noticed a foreign object on our kitchen table. I approached the object with curiosity and excitement. It was a single red rose with a note attached. Being the romantic that I am, this new find made me smile. I don't know why, but I instantaneously started hoping and wishing it was for me. The handwriting looked familiar so, why not. The note read this:

Distance can be a terrible thing, my love.
Missing you and thinking of you.
I love you.
Your Invisible Boy.

I immediately decided to search my apartment for my roommates to find out whose it was. They all had significant others that are over on a recent basis. None of them were at a distance so, I thought maybe...just maybe, it was from the man I love. He is at a distance. Our relationship is (somewhat) on hold. So I started hoping and praying it was from him. It wasn't. The rose was not for me and it certainly wasn't from him. My heart sunk.

Ever have that happen to you? Unexpected disappointment?

A little obsessive...

2008-09-24T15:16:00.000-07:00

I have noticed that CBU has a case of slight OCD. This school has a few things that it just obsesses over. Some of it is entertaining and some of it is slightly annoying. For instance...lawn care! It is just kind of ridiculous. There is not a day that goes by that that I don't see someone cutting, spraying, watering, trimming, fertilizing...you name it! It is entertaining because it seems that they have done so much to the Stamps lawn that it has just shriveled up and died all together. I just want to laugh every time I see it.

And there is another thing that is obsessed over here at California Baptist and it is three little letters. U. C. O. Don't get me wrong. I LOVE the UCO! I have tons of friends in the University Choir, the orchestra or one of the other choirs and I love them all dearly. But, please people, come on! It gets a little insane over in that multi-million dollar building. Expensive laptops, suits, dresses, pantyhose, curled hair, sparkly earrings, the works! It's a little nuts.

Okay, I will admit it. There are a few things I have begun to obsess over since I came to Cal Baptist. First of which is my mailbox. I love to get mail! I think I checked my mail 4 times today. I am not kidding. Sad thing was it was empty every time!
Oh well...just one more day in this transplanted midwesterner!

First thoughts on Cali...

2008-09-15T18:24:00.000-07:00

Well, here I am. A Missouri girl on the west coast. How did this happen? This is insane! Insane, but a welcome sort of insanity. I have been in California a grand total of 24 days and in those 24 days I have observed several things.

California drivers drive fast...duh....and so do drivers from Mexico.
Some OC girls really are like the show. Some are not. Know the difference.
Once you find a parking spot in Newport Beach, STAY THERE! Don't try to find another.
Make sure the above parking spot is not in a "red zone" before you parallel park between a Mercedes and a BMW.
The Mercedes, BMW and other cars way too expensive to drive, own the road...or at least their drivers think they do.
There are big bugs here. Beetles the size of a half dollar and that will fly at your ears and head. There are also black widows and your friends will try to scare you with them. Your friends will succeed.
God has a sense of humor. Sometimes he lets us squirm a bit so he can come pull us out of it.
Waves don't like swimsuits. Swimsuits don't like sand.
You can not wash your car and have it stay clean. It is impossible.
Noxema+sunburns=heaven
When your guy friends get sunburned (and they will), someone has to rub aloe on them. If you are a girl, volunteer for the job.

That is all I have to say for now. More musings to come...